The crowd waits in silent anticipation as Officer Vogel steps to the center of the platform. Somewhere, off in the distance, a crow caws. It will have a feast soon enough. 

"Three mages stand here today," Officer Vogel says, voice crisp and clipped. The epitome of control. "Some of you may know them, some of you may not, but they've tainted this fine community with their vile practices for long enough."

Those in the front of the crowd nod enthusiastically. Rowan bites the inside of his lip.

"I understand that some of you may have... conflicted feelings," Officer Vogel continues, "but remember this: these mages are not like you and me. They threaten not only our lives, but our children's lives, the families we've worked so hard to protect."

A swell of collective agreement from the middle of the crowd. Rowan bites harder on his lip.

"And there may be some of you out there who think what we do is wrong." Officer Vogel's voice hardens. His steel-gray eyes look out into the crowd, as if he can pinpoint anyone who disagrees and skewer them alive. He continues: "But know this: wherever there's magic, the Vanaré will be there to destroy it. If you stand with mages, you stand against us, against your community. Would you betray the people you call neighbor for something that shouldn't exist?"

"Kill the mags!" A voice shouts from the front of the crowd. 

Those in the back are mostly silent. Some shuffle forward, closer to the gallows. Some stay right where they are. Nobody leaves.

Rowan bites so hard on his lip, he draws blood. He looks up at the gallows, at Garrett, trying to tell him he's sorry in whatever way he can. But Garrett doesn't look at him. He only stares out at the crowd, face carefully blank. A final act of defiance.

Officer Vogel nods at one of his counterparts. The soldier snaps to attention, salutes, and then places both hands on a lever. When pulled, the floor will open, and all three boys will drop to their deaths. Rowan hopes it'll be quick and painless. Not like last time, when no one's neck broke, and the crowd watched two young women strangle to death.

Garrett was with Rowan in the crowd for that one. He'd held Rowan's hand under the cover of their coats, watched with him, stone-faced, as the women went to their end together. Rowan doesn't remember their names.

Then, as if he can sense him in the crowd, Garrett finally looks directly at Rowan. They lock eyes. Rowan holds his breath. He doesn't know what he's waiting for, but he knows he's waiting for something. For Garrett to look away, to condemn Rowan to the gallows. Because how can he not? It's Rowan's fault Garrett is up there at all.

If only Rowan hadn't given him that drawing. If only the birds on the page hadn't moved. If only Rowan wasn't a mage.

But Garrett just gives a small, sad smile and looks back out at the rest of the crowd. A good-bye if Rowan ever saw one.

The two younger boys start crying in earnest as Officer Vogel asks for last words. One of them calls out for his mother. But Garrett... Garrett stands as straight as the heavy chains will allow and calls out:

"I'll save you all a spot in Hell."

There's the click of the lever, and the floor opens. The ropes pull taut. 

Rowan looks away.